HIT BY A PITCHED BALL

Question
IN LITTLE LEAGUE A HITTER GOT HIT ON THE KNEE .
WHILE WALKING TO FIRST HE DID NOT MAKE IT TO FIRST BASE. WE BROUGHT HIM TO THE BENCH AND GOT HIM A LAST OUT RUNNER. AS SOON AS HE STEPPED INTO THE DUGOUT THE UMPIRE CALLED HIM OUT FOR NOT TOUCHING FIRST BASE. IS THIS THE CORRECT CALL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. THANK YOU FOR A ANSWER.

Answer
Hi Steve:

No, this is not the correct call.  The batter is entitled to first base, the ball is dead, and no plays can be made.

In this situation, there are three situations that can occur, and none of them involve an out.

First, the batter can proceed to first base after a reasonable time-out to recover.  They are not required to proceed directly to the base, and not required to stay on the base when they get there, until the umpire resumes play.

Second, the manager may opt to use a special pinch runner.  See rule 7.14 for the details, but any player on the bench may go in and run for the batter.  This is not a substitution, and the batter will resume his place when the pinch runner returns to the dugout.

Third, the manager may substitute another player for the batter.  If there is a substitute available, the manager may put them in directly.  If any of the players on the bench are not legally allowed to re-enter the game, the opposing manager may choose one player from the bench to enter the game (excepting injured and ejected players).  If the batter has not met mandatory play, but is unable to re-enter the game due to injury, it is not the basis for a protest.

Thanks for your question; I hope this is helpful.

Cheers,
Gareth